New ‘Harry Potter’ Trailer Shows Humor Along With Action

The first trailer for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”
dropped in June and kept its focus squarely on action: whirlwind spells, explosions galore and plenty of boy-wizard-vs.-Voldemort fisticuffs. The second trailer, so it seems, will add a healthy dose of whimsy to the supernatural action.

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USA Today has a sneak peek at the newest trailer, which is set to arrive online early Wednesday evening (September 22), and it looks like we’re going to get looks at Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his oddly dressed doppelgängers, Dobby the wrinkly-faced house elf and some wacky, warped-out, elevator-based magic. There will also, of course, be plenty of action, including a creepy glimpse of Voldemort entering the tomb of Hogwarts head honcho Dumbledore.

“These are dark times,” says Bill Nighy as Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour in the trailer, according to USA Today. “Our world has faced no greater threat than it does today. But you can’t fight the war on your own, Mr. Potter. [Voldemort] is too strong.”

Harry’s going to have plenty of help. One of the new photos shows off Harry’s magical doppelgängers (variously, hilariously dressed in oversized coats and tight-fitting tops), which help our hero flee the nefarious Death Eaters. Other pics showcase Harry casting a Patronus charm while in an elevator, Harry and Hermione (Emma Watson) visiting his parents’ grave, and Harry and Ron (Rupert Grint) engaged in an intense argument while Hermione looks on.

“Ron and Harry are arguing and in conflict,” explained producer David Heyman. “The relationship’s become frayed. The pressure is on them, and their relationship has become heightened and more intense.

“We’re reaching the climax, so the relationship between the three is more intense,” he added. “They’re on the run, and they’re not in the safe confines at Hogwarts. The pressure is on them to sort things out. It’s ominous in the sense that the end is nigh.”